Houston’s colorful Holi festivals back from COVID shutdowns
Krupa Rathi looks forward to the Hindu holiday Holi all year — especially the part where people douse each other with colorful powder.
The act is called “playing Holi,” and that’s why the holiday is also known as the “Festival of Colors.” One of the largest celebrations in India, it also marks the beginning of spring and is often referred to as the “Festival of Love.”
Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil, according to Masala Radio, Houston’s Bollywood radio station and host of a Holi gathering later this month.
“It’s a joyful time,” Rathi said. “It’s also an event that brings the community together. And it’s a fun way to connect back to my religion.”
During the pandemic, however, the 16-year old high school junior had to put her normal Holi festivities on hold. Instead of gathering with the community, her family played Holi in their backyard in Sugar Land.
“In the spring of 2021, COVID was still a big concern,” Rathi said. “It was fun, but it’s more fun with a large group of people.”
This year, however, Holi is back in a big way, with several celebrations planned around Houston.
“I’m definitely excited to play again this year,” Rathi said. “It’s just an uplifting event. And everyone needs something uplifting right now.”
The story behind Holi centers on Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu and the son of King Hiranyakashipu.
“Prahlad was a worshiper of God, and the king didn’t like this,” Rathi said. “He tried to get his son to stop.”
The king even tried to kill his son, failing in a number of ways. “Nothing worked,” Rathi said. “So he asked his sister Holika to help.”
Holika had a special gift from the gods that prevented her from catching on fire. She sat in the flames with Prahlad on her lap. The plan backfired, and Prahlad’s devotion ended up saving his life. Holika was engulfed in the fire instead.
“Holika died, because she misused her powers,” Rathi said. “It symbolizes the value of faith and belief. And that’s a good reminder to everyone.”
Even through trials and his own father’s wrath, Prahlad found a way to stay true to his values. “That’s really motivating,” Rathi said.
Riya Shah, 17, learned the same Holi message from her Sunday school at Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj temple.
She explained that Choti Holi, or Holika Dehan, is celebrated the day before Holi with a bonfire to symbolize Holika’s demise and to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
The colorful aspect of Holi comes from another tale, Rati said. The high school senior told of Krishna, who was worried about his darker skin color, while his friend Radha was fair. Krishna ended up playing with colorful powders, until both he and Radha were covered.
“Color shows their love for each other — and the equality they have,” Riya said.
Since the holiday follows a lunar calendar, Holi falls on Friday, March 18.
Here are a few opportunities to join in the fun at Holi festivals in Houston:
Holi in the Heights
Railway Heights Market is hosting its inaugural Texas Holi Fest on March 19.
The event is designed as a cultural celebration, as well as a night of fun, said Christina Truong.
“It gives us a reason to celebrate again, especially after the pandemic,” she said. “It’s been so dark these last two years. We thought this would bring color back again.”
The Railway Heights celebration will include dancing, live music and an assortment of IndoPak cuisine.
“This is really a celebration of light and of renewal,” Truong said. “It’s family-friendly, and it’s all about supporting local.”
Merriment for a worthy cause
Grand Holi — Festival of Colors is scheduled March 20 at India House.
The event is hosted by Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog, “JKYog,” a nonprofit established to promote healing for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The organization follows guru Swami Mukundananda.
Lata Srivatsan, coordinator of the JKYog Houston Center, said that while Holi is celebrated by the group’s headquarters in Dallas, this will be the first time for the Houston event, designed as a fundraiser for JKYog’s construction of a hospital and university in the Indian state of Odisha
Bollywood celebrities Harry Anand and Shalmali Kholgade from the Dallas Holi event will make their next stop in Houston.
A color rave
Masala Radio returns for its 13th Houston Holi March 26 at Shri Vallabh Priti Seva Samaj (VPSS) temple.
Sandhya Thakkar, CEO of Bollywood station Masala Radio, has organized Holi events in Houston since 2008.
Crowds usually range from 15,000 to 17,000. The event will include live music by Jay Sean, Bollywood DJs, 60 booths to peruse, street foods, 400 local performers, free rides and a ceremonial bonfire. And, of course, there will be color play.
Gujarati Samaj of Houston Inc., a nonprofit, will provide organic color powder.